Blog Tour Author Interview: Renegade Skyfarer, by R.J. Metcalf

Hey, readers! I’m delighted to be hosting today’s stop on the blog tour for Renegade Skyfarer, by R.J. Metcalf. The first book in a new steampunk fantasy series, this story is full of magic, dragons, and sky pirates, so if that sounds appealing to you, definitely check this out!

Renegade Skyfarer by R.J. Metcalf

Published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform on May 30, 2018

The airship crew saved Ben’s life from a dragon, of all things.When Ben wakes up, he has no memory of his family, his home, or how he got to this strange world. All he knows is what his new crew members tell him: the magical Barrier that protects their land is weakening. Unless they find the artifact that can repair it, all of Terrene will be destroyed and enslaved by the enemies beyond.But when Ben suspects that danger may lurk closer than dragons or sky pirates, he has to decide: stay and fight with the airship crew, or focus on regaining his lost memory? If he leaves, he risks losing his newfound friends–but if he stays, he might never return home.Welcome to Terrene–where dragons exist, the past haunts, and magic is no myth.Welcome aboard the Sapphire.

Keep on reading for my interview with the author, and scroll all the way to the bottom of this post for a chance to win a giveaway of the book!

Read Eat Sleep Repeat: What started you on the path to become a writer?

Not a what, but a who. Jamie Foley. She’s the one to blame, or the one to thank, depending on your point of view.

We met a few years ago via a book giveaway and a call-out for beta readers, and the Lord lined things up perfectly for us. We became fast friends, and once she heard me mention that my husband has this story idea that we wanted to write someday, she was like a dog with a bone. There was no escape. My one choice at this point is to write. **rattles chain that connects to desk**

She’s been the biggest encouragement and help in this entire endeavor. She’s read all my first drafts, offered critical insights, cheered me on through editing, pointed me to masters of the craft, walked me through the ins and outs of publishing, talked with me over the phone at nearly midnight her time just because I was having a panic attack over CreateSpace…

Truly, I wouldn’t be writing today if it wasn’t for Jamie and her Sentinel Trilogy and God’s good grace in having us meet.

RESR: How did you come up with the idea for Renegade Skyfarer?

The idea originated with my husband, Mike. We would walk from our condo to the grocery store, the theater, the thrift shop, the Thai restaurant, anywhere we could walk to really, and he’d share of this world that had dragons that were really our dinosaurs., airships, and this guy who wakes up in that land who’s not from there. And then Mike would talk of this grand adventure, clear down to the ending. (Yes, we know exactly where this series is going and how it’s going to end.)

But here’s the catch: Mike doesn’t have the creative prose bone in his body. Now I can infuse almost anything with life and soul and vibrancy–but finishing something strong, without any plot holes is nigh impossible for me. Combine our skills, and we have a solid series with vibrant characters and a depth of heart that should find at least a few heart strings to tug.

So he gives me the synopsis of what each book should be about, and the key structure points, and the rest is mine to play with. He gets final veto rights of course, but other than that, he trusts me to not mess things up. lol

RESR: What would you like readers to know about Renegade Skyfarer?

It’s a work of heart, touching on themes like where does one belong? What is family? Self-sacrifice. Forgiveness. Love.

RESR: How long did it take you to write and publish Renegade Skyfarer?

Start to finish? Fourteen months. But some of those were me just setting it aside for holidays and family emergencies and then my two-month ‘pillow’ from when it was just-nearly done to actually being DONE. If I pull out all those fluff months, then the writing and editing lasted maybe ten months?

RESR: Have you written any other books that have not been published?

How did you know?! I’ve been sitting on the prequel, Betrayal by Blood for over two years now, as well as the anthology, Scars of Time, and I’m literally finishing up edits for book two, Void Born.

Void Born will be coming out this year, Fall 2018. Betrayal by Blood will be out Winter 2019, and Scars of Time is slated for Winter 2020.

RESR: What are you working on now?

Like I said, I’m finishing up edits for Void Born right now. Then I plan to take a week off and read my TBR pile. (It’s only five deep, so a week should suffice) After that brain break, I’m going to read through Betrayal by Blood again, and send that off to my editor. Then I’ll get a cracking on pre-writing book three, Traitor’s Crown!

RESR: As a new author, what is your favorite and least favorite part of the writing/publishing process?

My least favorite part, easily, is marketing. I hate talking about myself, it’s awkward, promoting my own work. I’d much rather talk about Jamie Foley’s Sentinel Trilogy. Or my editor, S.D. Grimm, and her Children of the Blood Moon Trilogy.

RESR: Is there any particular author or book that has influenced you as a writer?

Well, obviously Jamie, as she’s the one that dragged me into this world. As far authors who’ve influenced my prose, or how I view the writing process, definitely Kathy Tyers Gillian. She’s given me some great advice for writing and editing that I’ve really taken to heart. Matthew Stover’s New Jedi Order: Traitor is easily one of my favorite books to just pick up and read, because I love some of his descriptions. There’s a scene that still gives me chills when I think about it, and, if I’m being honest, I have most of that chapter memorized.

RESR: Is there anything else you’d like to add that I haven’t included?

I have a website, a Twitter, a Facebook, and an Instagram. For behind-the-scenes and fun tidbits, join my Facebook group, RJ’s Renegades. Otherwise, I post updates on all the platforms, as news happens.

About the Author

During the day, Becky is a stay at home mom of two active little boys. When she has ‘free time’, she enjoys reading, writing, baking and sewing.

After many years of creative writing classes, writing fanfiction drabbles and daydreaming, it was high time to start writing her husband Mike’s story. She dove into the world of Terrene and hasn’t looked back—except for when she runs out of dark chocolate.

Any free time not spent in Terrene is typically expended on hosting dinner and game nights, running amok with the two little monkeys or watching nerdy movies with Mike.